NIGERIA: Portable Pledges To Focus On Personal Growth After Bail Release

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

 

Controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has vowed to change his approach to life and behave himself following his release on bail, promising to focus on positive growth and financial stability.

 

The artist, known for his hit song “Zazu,” was granted bail in the amount of N2 million after facing charges related to alleged assault among other offences.

 

In a video posted on social media, Portable assured his fans that he is committed to turning his life around.

 

He stated that his priorities have shifted, with an emphasis now placed on financial success and settling his bail debt.

 

He said: “I am done with trouble. I am now focused on making money. I have N2 million bail debt to pay, and I need more money,” he declared, adding: “Thank God for everything. If you have God, you have everything.”

 

Recall that, on the 18th of February, 2025, the Ogun State police declared the popular musician wanted after he was reportedly involved in a violent altercation with three officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ota Zonal Office – TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef, and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi.

 

The officials were carrying out an enforcement exercise in Oke-Osa, Tigbo Ilu Ota, Ogun State when they encountered an elderly man identified as Portable’s father at Odogwu Bar.

 

Upon requesting the approved building plan, Portable’s father informed them that his son was unavailable.

However, shortly after, Portable allegedly arrived with a firearm and led a group of nine thugs in an attack on the officials, who sustained injuries but managed to escape and report the incident to the police.

In response to the police declaration, the singer took to Instagram on 18th February 2025, in a series of rants, claiming he was set up for wearing a vest featuring the face of Senator Adeola Solomon, popularly known as Yayi.

He also insisted that he was mentally unstable and had been receiving treatment at Aro Psychiatric Hospital.

Portable said: “I fear the government. I am a federal government liability. I am a madman; I take medications regularly. You can confirm from Aro Hospital. I have a card proving I am one of their patients.”

He further stated: “I am from Abeokuta, and they are taking care of me there. I am not a thief. I help people around me without discrimination.”

On the 19th of February, Portable arrived at the Ogun State Police Command to surrender himself.